Hochtief, controlled by Spain's ACS (ACS.MC), said on Thursday it would sell its service businesses, which have more than 5,500 employees, as part of plans to focus on traditional construction activities.

Sources close to the company said Hochtief was expecting interest from numerous parties.

Hochtief declined to comment, while Vinci, Cofely parent GDF Suez GSZ.PA, and Strabag were not immediately available for comment.

Bilfinger declined to comment specifically on the report, with a spokesman saying only that Bilfinger has had for years a strategy to grow via acquisitions. ($1 = 0.7702 euros)